Retiree Recognition For: Brenda Young
Title / Dept:
Director, Technology Support Services, ITS
How did you get your start at LCC? What do you remember most from your first day/week/month?
I earned my associate's degree at LCC, so I started as a student. I was hired working as a student lab aide in the Business Division Computer Lab in early 1987. From my 1st day as a student employee, I knew I wanted to spend my career at LCC. I remember feeling I belong here. I knew early on I wanted to contribute to the mission of LCC!
Have you held different positions at LCC? How would you describe your career path and the role that LCC played in it?
Yes, I have held many positions. I worked one semester as a student employee and then became an applications programming tutor (part-time). From there, I went into administration, ultimately coordinating and managing all disparate college-wide student computer labs & classrooms. I spent the first 10 years of my career working in academics. I also taught computer classes for 7 years for Accounting & Computer Academic program area. In 1997, LCC consolidated all college student computing into one facility in the "new" Technology & Learning Center (with lots of planning involved!). That is when I moved from academics to college administration. I had various roles and responsibilities in Information Technology Services (ITS). My final position as Director of Technology Support Services (TSS) include the help desk, PC technicians, classroom services, media creation and design, and campus photographer.
What's your favorite memory from your time at LCC? Who are the people who made working here great?
I do miss the employee socials! Those were so much fun and are some of my favorite memories. LCC should consider bringing those back. I've enjoyed the LCC Golf League for over 30 years! The bowling league is fun too. I've been at LCC for so long; there are many, many "favorite memories" (some I should not share here - yes people, your secrets are safe with me).
The work we do here at LCC is incredible and rewarding - something I will remember for a lifetime.
There have been so many people along the way that made working here great; I appreciate all of them. My current TSS Lead team are just fabulous and remarkable employees: Marc Smyth, Max Martin, Jeff Sherman, Kathy Robinson and Katie Chiappelli (yes Katie, I still "claim" you). I consider them all great friends and will miss them dearly. I would be remiss if I did not call out the ITS Lead team: Bill Garlick (CIO), Paul Schwartz, Kellee Goff and Justin Barnaby.
What were your greatest accomplishments or successes while working at LCC?
Honestly, I could never take credit for accomplishments or successes on my own. Some of the most incredibly smart, talented, and caring people work for LCC. Together, we have helped LCC move forward in an inviting and inclusive way. We have accomplished many cool and creative technology advances, sometimes failing, but ultimately succeeding. (A laundry list of technology accomplishments & successes would be "less than exciting" to read).
What I do enjoy is leading others to become their best versions of themselves. I find it rewarding helping others be successful, reaching their goals, troubleshooting issues with them, challenging them, and allowing them to fail and learn. I am truly a servant leader.
What are you looking forward to in your retirement? What plans are you most excited for?
I currently have 5 grandchildren so I'm looking forward to spending more time with them.
I love to flower garden, so I'm looking forward to having the time to get my hands dirty! (weeds are taking over)
I plan to volunteer: Ingham County Animal Shelter, possibly grade-school teacher helper, becoming more active with areas I support (I'll keep this non-political), etc.
Golfing!..... looking forward to a membership somewhere.
Spending more time with my siblings and close friends! "Road trips" with my 3 sisters (now there's trouble).
What I am most excited for: My husband Tim and I just purchased a new "house van". I'm very excited to "hit the road" with him and explore the USA! We plan to visit as many of the national parks as possible (making several trips). Lots of hiking in our future (doesn't that sound incredible?)
Is there any additional information that you would like to share related to your time at LCC?
I am so fortunate to have spent my career at LCC. Deciding to learn about "computers" as a student many years ago at LCC was the beginning of my professional life. Three of our children also attended LCC and obtained associates degrees here. The unique "family/community" atmosphere is so compelling. I am lucky to have been a part of it.
There are so many memories and fun times to reminisce about. I have developed countless friendships throughout the years. I will miss the students, their stories, struggles and successes. I will miss mentoring LCC students and my team members. I have learned so much during my 35 years at LCC and for that I am eternally grateful.
However, I have given LCC my all. I can leave proud knowing I did make a positive difference. It's time for someone else to take the reins.
Finally, I have no more "at work" excuses - time to clean out my closets!
It's not good-bye.... it's "until next time" (hey, can't get rid of me that easy - I run the LCC golf league AND I am on the LCC bowling league).
Respectfully, Brenda Young
